Chile’s National Forestry Corporation confirmed the 120-kilometre Sendero Costero trail opens December 1 inside Patagonia National Park. The path runs from Puerto Río Tranquilo on General Carrera Lake to the fjord village of Caleta Tortel. Five new campgrounds with capacity for 180 hikers open simultaneously.
Permits cost 12,000 Chilean pesos per person and must be reserved online at least 15 days in advance. Maximum group size is set at eight people to protect fragile ecosystems.
The trail development received 8.2 million US dollars in funding from the Global Environment Facility and took three years to complete. It passes through previously inaccessible lenga forests and offers views of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
Local operators in Coyhaique have prepared new multi-day guided packages priced from 450 US dollars including transfers and meals. Park rangers will conduct daily briefings at both trailheads.
What this means for you
Reserve permits starting October 1 through the official CONAF website for December dates. Pack lightweight camping gear because campgrounds provide only basic shelters. Book internal flights to Balmaceda airport early as capacity is limited.
Carry satellite communication devices as mobile coverage is nonexistent along 70 percent of the route. Hire certified local guides for the first season to learn river crossing techniques.
The new trail establishes Patagonia National Park as a premier long-distance hiking destination comparable to Torres del Paine but with far fewer visitors.